Friday, April 9, 2010

1st Official Roundtable

Last night was my first official Boy Scout Leader Roundtable. Although there were quite a few technical difficulties, the best part was meeting some of the other Troops leaders, but most of all was the time I got to spend with our Scoutmaster. I have only known him for a short period of time, but what a great guy. He has listened to my rants and raves and all of my excitement. Although I thought that he may not have been paying attention, and I was wrong. He has been overwhelmed with stuff, and he informed me last night that when he registered me as a leader with our Troop, that he listed me as his Troop Committee Chairman. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. This Troop has never had an active committee, but it's going to now!!

So he and I left the roundtable meeting and ended up meeting until late last night sharing passions and dreams for our boys and our Troop. My position hasn't been announced as of yet, but it will be soon enough. So I'm off to read my Troop Committee Guide and put pen to paper on ideas and thoughts.

I also have told our District Executive that I will be helping with FOS. I guess we'll put my car business selling skills to use in Scouting now. My First NESA Committee meeting will be in 2 weeks as well. Lots of great things coming up for this Eagle and Scout Dad.

Stay thirsty.

Eagle Scout Doug

Sunday, April 4, 2010

A quiet week for Scouting

As I sit out on my deck on Easter Sunday, I am sitting here reflecting on the past week. Although it was a busy one, my Boy Scout went to Florida with one of his grandmothers for a week. He's having a blast. He got to go to the last Spring Training game for the Orioles, and he's going to hopefully see the Space Shuttle launch tomorrow. The memories he's getting are incredible.

I've spent a good portion of the week on my commute (61 miles one way), listening to some fantastic Scouting podcasts. PTC Media has some fantastic podcasts as well as Clark Greene's Scoutmaster podcast. I have to say that my favorites so far are The Scoutmasters Minute with Scoutmaster Jerry, Scoutmaster with Clark Greene, and the Leaders Campfire with Cubmaster Chris and Scoutmaster Steve. Who knows, maybe I can be on any of their shows someday. I have also had communication with our Scoutmaster. He's a very busy guy and he knows I'm chomping at the bit to get involved. He and I are heading to our District Roundtable this week. He did mention to my wife that he thinks he wants to have me as an Asst Scoutmaster. I don't know if that's the best spot for me, but I'll do whatever I can to help out our Troop. I've been reading the Troop Committee Guide, because I think I'd be better suited for the Troop in the Committee, with working 12+ hours a day 5 to 6 days a week makes getting to weekly meetings a little difficult.

The best Scouting news of the week is that I had the opportunity to go to a National Scout Store in Baltimore. Our council doesn't have a big store and I've found some things that she can't get. I managed to not spend too much money there, but I did pick up a few things. I got my wife the 100th anniversary patch puzzle and an arrow of light mother's pin. I bought a 100th anniversary limited edition coin. I managed to also find 100th anniversary eagle scout pin too. I can't believe what some people pay on ebay for those! I saw one sell for $75! I also bought a set of 2010 rank patches. I'm going to do up a shadowbox kind of thing. Not sure yet what it'll be yet, but I'll keep you posted.

Have a great week.

Eagle Scout Doug